Buckminsterfullerene (C60) or buckyball was discovered by researchers at Rice University; it is shaped like a soccer ball and composed entirely of carbon

1986

Atomic force microscope, providing the ability to view, measure, and manipulate materials down to fractions of a nanometer in size, invented

1991

Carbon nanotube (CNT) created; CNTs are very strong, have electrical and thermal conductivity, and entirely composed of carbon but in a tubular shape

1999-?

Consumer products employing nanotechnology appeared, from cars to golf balls to paint to clothing and more

2000

National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) started by President Clinton to coordinate Federal R&D efforts and promote nanotechnology

2004

“Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: Opportunities and Uncertainties” published by Britain’s Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering; it advocates the need to address potential health, environmental, social, ethical, and regulatory issues associated with nanotechnology

2008,

updated 2011

“Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Research Strategy” published by the US NNI (http://nano.gov/node/681)

North American Agencies

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). US Government Nanotechnology Initiative is a federal R&D program established to coordinate the multiagency efforts in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Ames Center for Nanotechnology. Started in early 1996, the research work focuses on experimentalresearch and development in nano and bio technologies; includes great images.

US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Nanotechnology. Addresses worker safety and health issues related to the use or production of nanomaterials.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Nanotechnology. Conducts research on worker safety and issues related to the use or production of nanomaterials.

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) at Sandia National Laboratories, a Department of Energy/Office of Science Nanoscale Science Research Center (NSRC). "Our vision is to become a world leader in nanoscale science by developing the scientific principles that govern the design, performance, and integration of nanoscale materials."

For-profit Organizations

Nanotechnology Now (NN). Nanotechnology Glossary. NN was created to serve the information needs of business, government, academic, and public communities with the intention of becoming the most informative and current free collection of "nano" reference material.

Non-government Organizations

The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. Established in April 2005 as a partnership between the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Pew Charitable Trusts, "The Project is dedicated to helping ensure that as nanotechnologies advance, possible risks are minimized, public and consumer engagement remains strong, and the potential benefits of these new technologies are realized."

Feynman, Richard. "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom" delivered as a lecture at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), December 29th, 1959. First published in the February 1960 issue of Caltech's Engineering and Science, available on their website with their permission.

Nanotoxicologyjournal from Informa Healthcare. "Addresses research relating to the potential for human & environmental exposure, hazard & risk associated with the use & development of nano-structured materials."